Hosts Argentina retained the title of International Blind Sport Federation (I.B.S.A.) Blind Futsal World Champions, defeating Brazil 1-0 in a hard-fought final at the IV I.B.S.A. Blind Futsal World Championships in Buenos Aires.

A second-half strike from Silvio Velo in the 42-minute was enough to separate the teams and secure the title for the second time running against Paralympic Champions Brazil.Two thousand spectators packed the stadium to witness the home victory.

Fellow South Americans Paraguay saw off Spain in the 3-4-place play-off, beating the European Champions 2-1 with two goals from Villamayor either side of the break. Spain’s consolation goal came from López.

Final standings: World Champions: Argentina, Runners-up: Brazil, Third: Paraguay, Fourth: Spain, Fifth: France, Sixth: England, Seventh: Japan, Eighth: South Korea.

The normal rules of football have been adapted for the blind version of the game. It is five-a-side instead of 11, and each team has a sighted goalkeeper. The ball contains ball bearings so that the players can hear it. Coaches shout instructions from the sidelines, and so the crowd is expected to keep its excitement silent.

Players use protective eye masks and some wear additional foam protection on their heads in case of falls. The match lasts two equal periods of 25 minutes.